What is the IMAT?
The International Medical Admissions Test (IMAT) is a 100-minute, 60-question admissions test held every September at Italian Ministries of Education (MIUR) test centres worldwide. It is the only route to studying medicine in English at Italian state universities — including Humanitas, Padova, La Sapienza and Bologna.
Duration
100 minutes. 60 questions. All multiple choice with 5 answer options. 1.5 correct answer, −0.4 wrong, 0 not answered.
When
Every September — typically the second week. Results published 2–3 weeks later. One chance per year.
Where
Italian consulates, embassies and cultural centres worldwide. Also at designated Italian university campuses. Register via universitaly.it.
IMAT Format — 60 Questions
What Score Do You Need?
Required scores vary by university and year. As a rough guide for 2025 intakes:
How to Prepare for the IMAT
Biology (18 questions)
Focus on: cell structure and function, DNA/RNA and protein synthesis, genetics and inheritance, human physiology (cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, nervous systems), ecology. Use A-level / IB Biology textbooks. Cambridge International AS & A Level Biology is the gold standard.
Chemistry (12 questions)
Organic: naming, functional groups, reactions. Inorganic: periodicity, bonding, acids/bases, equilibrium. Physical: stoichiometry, thermodynamics, kinetics. Revise from A-level Chemistry or equivalent. Organic chemistry requires particular attention.
Physics & Maths (18 questions)
Physics: mechanics, thermodynamics, electrostatics, waves, optics. Maths: algebra, functions, geometry, basic calculus, statistics. Often under-prepared by biology-focused students — do not neglect. 18 questions here can be decisive.
Logical Reasoning (12 questions)
Reading comprehension, syllogisms, pattern recognition, deductive reasoning. Cannot be revised from a textbook — practise with IMAT past papers and BMAT-style logical reasoning questions. Speed and accuracy are critical here.
IMAT 2026 Timeline
Need IMAT preparation?
We provide IMAT-specific preparation as part of our free placement service. Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Logical Reasoning — university-specific past paper analysis.